as though we are against this group. We are entirely for it and will give it preference, if it itself does not fall behind and does not compel us, contrary to our sincere desire, to hand over the matter to competitors. Do not believe gossip. Conduct the business i n d e p e n d e n t l y and swiftly. We shall sign the contract in Moscow, provided only that your concessionaries cease their delays and speedily furnish us with an acceptable draft of the contract.

Signed as read
So-and-so

1 On August 31, 1921, the Politburo of the Central Committee of the Party heard the question of directives to the representative of the RSFSR in Germany V. L. Kopp on special work in Berlin and adopted a resolution—to approve it.

The matter concerned the organization of negotiations with German industrial firms on the conclusion of commercial and concession contracts. The negotiations were conducted through the trade representatives of the RSFSR in Germany V. L. Kopp, B. S. Stomoniakov, V. L. Shklovskii, V. V. Starkov, and others.

20567

MEMORANDUM TO G. V. CHICHERIN 1

[August, 1921]

To Chicherin

Secret

Comrade Chicherin!

It is necessary by all means to expedite (by telegram to Kopp regarding comrade X's proposals) the departure (apparently of Peters 2). For the Germans' proposal (Peter + grain concession in the Kuban) is of paramount importance for us. Accelerate by all means. Write me two words.

Yours, Lenin

1 The matter concerned economic negotiations by V. L. Kopp with a group of representatives of five major industrial banks and companies of Germany, which formed a "consortium." This grouping set itself the task of putting into operation several factories in Petrograd for the repair of locomotives and agricultural machines, as well as the arrangement of commodity warehouses in Moscow and Petrograd.

2 Ya. Kh. Peters departed to Germany to work out the production program of the concession.